As you probably know, I have not been stopping my feet from the last six months. It's been a life changing journey for a twenty year old something me trying to find my passion in this world. Truth be told, I have not been traveling in a place where it has disparate culture than mine. It was easy fitting in but the whole journey of becoming an independent individual was more challenging than I ever thought. Today, I came up with ten things that I want you to know before traveling,especially if you are still twenty something and planning your first trip alone.

1. Always make sure to have spare cash

Obviously, you need cash to travel. I am telling you, nothing is really free. And one thing that we tend to forget is the unexpected expenses due unexpected circumstances. You will never know that you suddenly need a trivial item just to survive another day in a foreign land.

2. Never act like a tourist, mingle with the locals for a maximum experince

It depends, even if you are traveling for short term, it's still better to find yourself learning local culture and stories. You will be amazed that actually there are similar things in each places. Not to mention, the locals know great places to go more than google can tell you. They also have better tips than google review.

3. Find the best deals to stay through travel applications

You can still go in an old fashioned way by walking from one hostel to another but these days, Save your time by checking options through travel applications. I would suggest Airbnb if you plan of renting the accommodation for a week or a month. So far it has better deal than any other travel applications I know.

4. Find a travel buddy

If you have limited budget but still want to travel and see places, find yourself a travel mate. Make sure they have the same interest. It is important to find someone with the same interest and someone who can compromise in a win win situation. Else, you will not get the kind of travel that you wish or dream to have. Don't turn your first travel experience into a nightmare.

5. Don't be reckless with your spending

If you want more sustainable travel and longer days on the road, stay within a budget. You never know what's going to happen on the road. There are many unexpected events and meetup that you will probably have. However, being a penny pincher isn't recommended either. Just be reasonable with your financial plan.

6. Stay in hostels as much as possible

Hostel is a great place to meet new friends, getting a travel recommendation and even inspiring or funny travel stories. generally people in the hostels are more welcoming and friendly. They won't hesitate to tell you about interesting places that's not even on a radar.

7. Never purchase simcard inside the airport or nearby the airport

I know that you'd probably need a connection as soon as possible for maps. But save yourself some cash. The rate of simcard nearby the airport is horrible. I would recommend if someone is picking you up, tell them to give you details of the exact places that you go. So you can find them easily.

8. Research about public transportation beforehand

I am telling you, sometimes airport taxi can be overpriced. It's best to see other options such as Uber or public buses. Sometimes it is equally convenient, so don't hesitate do it instead.

9. Never eat something that you can find back home

Why would you travel just to eat the same damn thing you can find back home? Eat like a local and diversify your palate.

10. Keep your finance clean

Again and again, it's important because you never know what's going to happen. It's especially important if you are on your own and don't have any family nor friends to back you up when you're in need. Don't be tempted to buy more things just because you come with the idea that you're a tourist.